Grading Adidas' New NBA All-Star Jerseys

The 2013 NBA All-Star Game is right around the corner, and the anticipation surrounding what the uniforms will look like can stop now. In a tweet from Beyond the Buzzer, the duds for the Eastern and Western Conference have been revealed:

Normally, I'm quick to rip on uniforms and dish out the criticism, but today is not one of those days. Maybe it's my love for the vintage look, but these All-Star uniforms definitely signify what the game and its preceding weekend activities are all about. I'm talking about a flashy playground matchup on hardwood, with high-scoring offense during the game itself and some incredible dunks thanks to the Slam Dunk Contest.

The uniform has its strengths and flaws, but is a good look for the players overall. Let's analyze it further and determine just how it achieves that status.

Color

Much like last season's All-Star uniforms, this year's come in three colors: red, white and blue. Adidas is making them again, but there's something more unique about the 2013 unis.

This year's game is being held in Houston, Texas. The Lone Star State. Kind of fitting that on the left shoulder of the tops, there is a star with the NBA logo inside of it, no?

I'm all for shout outs and homages to the state or venue that's hosting a game, so the star itself is very fitting. Throw in that the red and blue jump out at you for plenty of "Wow!", and the 2013 uniforms nail the color aspect.

Grade: A

Lettering

Call me crazy, but I'm a stickler for lettering on all jerseys, be they of the NBA or any other sport. I don't know why, but that's just how I am.

That said, as good as the 2013 NBA All-Star uniforms are as a whole, the lettering bothers me. It's clear that each piece was put on separately, making the numbers look like the Erector Set of printing and silk screening.

I know it sounds like me being OCD, but the lettering could have been way better on this one. Anyone who wants to send hate mail can message me privately for that address.

Grade: F

Comparison to Last Year's Uniforms

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Kobe and LeBron are perennial All-Stars, so why did the NBA dress them up like college kids last year?

I'll say this much. Though this year's All-Star uniforms have their flaws, they are definitely an upgrade over those of last season.

The 2012 All-Star unis, while flashy in color, looked like little more than what would be used for an NCAA All-Star Game. Last I checked, these were the NBA's best and not a bunch of college kids. Let them wear something with more panache!

This year's uniforms definitely have that, especially compared to those of 2012. They may look like something left over from the ABA, but that's not the point. Looking at them next to last year's duds, the improvement is obvious, and we as fans should fully embrace it.

Grade: B+

Swag Factor

If there's one thing that NBA All-Star uniforms should have, it's swagger. They should look snappy, and guys like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant should be able to strut with pride while wearing them.

As I mentioned before, the All-Star Game itself is like a playground matchup between the NBA's best, so you know that James and Bryant want to look good while throwing down some sick dunks and making some pretty shots.

These uniforms will allow them to do just that: looking good while showing off their fine skills. The fans will roar, and the photographers will snap away, capturing not only the moment, but how awesome the players look.

Grade: A

Overall Look and Final Grade

As a whole, this uniform works. The colors are nice, the use of the star is appropriate, and it just fits what the All-Star Game is.

What do you think of the 2013 NBA All-Star Uniforms?

Love 'em!Hate 'em!I have no opinionSubmit Votevote to see results

What do you think of the 2013 NBA All-Star Uniforms?

Love 'em!

72.8%

Hate 'em!

6.6%

I have no opinion

20.6%

Total votes: 2,647

I hate to break it to any haters, but the only bad thing I can really say about the 2013 uniforms is that the lettering is off. The intention is there, but the execution failed. Instead of nice, crisp letters, it's as though getting them on was like putting a puzzle together.

While that definitely takes points off, the 2013 NBA All-Star Game uniforms still work tremendously as a whole. They have the playground flashiness that players bring to the game, and one thing is certain: The players are going to look GREAT when showcasing their talents in Houston on February 17.